The Rams will open their second training camp in Southern California in less than two weeks, and much like the team that will take the field at UC Irvine beginning July 29, fans can expect significant changes to the look, feel and operation of the practice sessions that are open to the public.

The team said its objective is to improve the fan experience. After listening to the feedback from fans after last year’s training camp — and getting the green light from new coach Sean McVay to implement changes — enhancements are coming to improve everything from protection from the weather to better access to the team.

“With the overwhelming response last year by the fans, it gave us the opportunity to engage them afterwards and ask how was the experience and how can we do better,” said Jake Bye, the Rams’ vice-president of ticket sales. “There are some key elements we’re going to incorporate into every single practice that are a direct response from what fans told us and, really, from us observing the 16 practices last year and the way fans behaved and interacted and the access points they had. What was important to them. That became the driver to all the enhancements.

“The demands on the fans’ time and where they can spend it has also increased. You have to respond to that and be in front of it. We’re asking fans to give us three or four hours on a Saturday or Sunday or a Wednesday afternoon, so that environment has to be compelling if you want them to come back, or for them to share with their peers their positive experience.”

Among the changes:

• A shaded seating seating area on half of the bleachers on a first-come, first-served basis. “The one thing we absolutely learned last year is it can get very hot in Southern California in late Juy and August,” Bye said.

• A daily fan tunnel through which players will pass on their way to the practice field. Each practice, 20 fans along with a guest of their choosing will be selected to form the tunnel. Fans must pre-register for the chance to take part in the Fan Tunnel and will be notified by the Rams 48 hours in advance of their respective date. Fans will be able to register at TheRams.com/FanTunnel.

• Beer gardens on each side of the field to serve fans 21 and older before and during practice.

“The fact the access is so good, and you’re so close to the football side of things and the players. It’s a unique experience that really happens only once a year,” Bye said.

It helped, he added, that McVay embraced the ideas.

“(McVay) has been agreeable to everything,” Bye said. “We would never put a strain on what the ultimate focus is, and that’s on getting ready for the preseason and the the season opener on Sept. 10 at the Coliseum. But everything we’ve reached out to him about as far as fans and access he’s been agreeable to. He’s been great.”

In addition, the Rams will feature select themed days with unique giveaways for fans at the main entrance:

• Saturday, July 29:>> Welcome Back Fans — The first 5,000 guests will receive a magnet schedule of the 2017 season.

• Sunday, July 30:>> Season Ticket Member Appreciation Day — Season ticket holders attending camp that day will receive a limited-edition training camp shirt and a discount at the merchandise tents.

• Friday. Aug. 4:>> Back To School Community Drive — In partnership with The Heart of Los Angeles, the Rams are asking fans to donate school supplies. The first 3,000 who donate one or more items will receive a commemorative Rams cup. (A full list of approved school supplies can be found at TheRams.com/RamsCamp).

• Sunday, Aug. 6:>> Kids Day — The Rams will host additional activities for their youngest fans, including an equipment station where kids 12 and under can try on player uniforms, take a photo with Rampage and have a chance to take the field after practice with their family. In addition, the kids will receive a Rams-branded fidget spinner.

• Wednesday, Aug. 9:>> Rock Your Throwbacks – Fans are encouraged to wear their throwback gear and celebrate the history of L.A.’s original professional sports team. The team will distribute commemorative Rams throwback flags.

Vincent Bonsignore is an NFL columnist for the Southern California News Group. Having covered the Los Angeles sports scene for more than two decades, Bonsignore has emerged as one of the leading voices on the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, the NFL and NFL relocation.

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